IL-12 at the Crossroads

摘要

In animal tests, this immune molecule shows dramatic powers against a wide range of infectious diseases prevalent in developing countries--but market forces may inhibit its development. Since its discovery in the late 1980s, the potent cytokihe interleukin-12 (IL-12) has enjoyed all the trappings of a hot molecule. Its crucial role in shaping the earliest moments of the immune response has led to an explosion of articles in immunological journals. As a drug, it has already entered human clinical trials against cancer and AIDS; Researchers recently bestowed the sobriquet "magic bullet" on IL-12 because of its power in inhibiting the blood vessels that feed tumors in animal experiments, powers noted in the Well Street Joiemdl last April.